On Saturday, Kenya held a solemn military tribute for its late army chief, Francis Omondi Ogolla, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident earlier this week.
The ceremony, which took place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, was attended by Kenyan President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The coffin of General Ogolla, adorned with the Kenyan flag, arrived at the ceremony amidst great ceremony and a 19-gun cannon salute.
A minute of silence was observed in honor of the former Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF) who lost his life at the age of 62 in the helicopter crash.
President Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as a tragic moment for Kenya.
He praised General Ogolla as a symbol of Kenya’s excellence and stated his pride in having appointed him to the position of army chief.
General Ogolla, a highly skilled fighter pilot, perished in the helicopter crash while on a mission to visit troops deployed in the North Rift region, known for security challenges posed by armed bandits and cattle rustlers.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga paid tribute to General Ogolla, emphasizing their personal friendship and expressing his condolences.
Related News: Kenyan Court Charges Cult Leader with Murder in Starvation Deaths Case
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of Kenya’s military helicopters, with reports indicating several recent incidents involving older and poorly maintained aircraft.
The Kenya Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
General Ogolla’s family announced that his funeral will take place on Sunday at his home in Siaya, followed by a memorial service in Nairobi on April 26.
General Ogolla, survived by his wife, two children, and a grandchild, had served with distinction in the Kenya Defence Forces for nearly four decades, rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Defence Forces in 2023.
The tragic incident has elicited condolences from across Kenya, Africa, and the international community, with messages of support pouring in from various organizations, governments, and individuals mourning the loss of General Ogolla and the other military officials who perished in the crash.
You can also read: Binance Executive Traced to Kenya, Facing Extradition to Nigeria